2011 International Tactical Strength Challenge, Minneapolis Minnesota, 16 April 2011

The next Tactical Strength Challenge (TSC) will be 16 April 2011 at Movement Minneapolis in Plymouth MN.

The TSC has now been underway for nearly a decade. A free, friendly competition pitting individuals against three exercises to challenge their overall strength.

The events will be as follows

- Barbell deadlift for maximum weight. Three attempts will be allowed.

For the deadlift, the bar will be loaded to the weight the competitor specifies and placed on the ground. The competitor will approach the bar and lift it in one continuous motion. When the weight is fully locked out (knees and back fully straightened), the referee will give the “Down” command and the competitor will drop the bar or lower it under control.

The competitor has three attempts and may specify the same weight or a heavier weight in each successive attempt. The competitor may not request a lighter weight after missing with a heavier weight (rising bar rule).

Standard, raw division, powerlifting rules apply for TSC deadlifts.

The second event will be the Pull up. Maximum reps off a single hang.

In all Men’s Divisions except Elite, and in the Women’s Division, bodyweight pullups are performed. A chinup grip, with the palms facing the lifter, is not allowed; the palms must face away. The grip may be thumbless or not, but most competitors find they do best with a thumbless grip.

In the Men’s Elite division, pullups are performed with 22 lbs (10kg) attached to the competitor using a weight belt and chain. The total assembly (weight belt and plates) should weigh between 21 and 23 lbs and should be weighed before the competition. Any assembly of belt and plates in this weight range is official and will count for competition purposes or for TSC records.

For pullups, the competitor will approach the bar, grasp it with both hands, and settle into a dead hang with both arms fully straightened. (Competitors may initially stand on a block or box in order to reach the bar.) After settling into a dead hang, the competitor will pull with both arms, using no kipping or swinging, and pull up until the neck or the chest cleanly touches the bar. The competitor will then lower back to a dead hang and do another rep.

For each successful rep, the referee will count 1, 2, 3, and so on. The set is terminated when the competitor quits or fails to make three successive attempts.

The third event will be a 5 minute test of the one arm kettlebell snatch.

In the Men’s Open and Men’s Masters division, a 24kg kettlebell is used. In the Men’s Elite division, a 32kg kettlebell is used. In the Men’s Novice Division, a 16 kg kettlebell is used. In the Women’s Division, a 16kg kettlebell is used. In the Women’s Novice Division, a 12 kg kettlebell is used. Competitors may use chalk to improve their grip.

A snatch is defined as swinging a single kettlebell between the legs with one arm, bringing the kettlebell overhead in a single motion, and locking it out overhead with a straight arm. After each rep, the competitor will let the kettlebell fall in a single motion (without dropping the kettlebell to the chest or shoulder) and perform another rep. The knees must be locked out at the completion of the lift for the rep to count. The competitor may not use the non-lifting arm to assist the lift in any way – the lift does not count if the free arm or some other part of body touches the platform, the kettlebell, the working arm, the legs, or the torso.

The competitor has 5:00 to perform as many repetitions as possible. The referee will use a timer and tell the competitor when to begin. Once the timer starts, the competitor can snatch with either arm and switch arms as many times as he/she prefers. The competitor can also set the kettlebell down on the ground, rest, or pace on or around the platform (without disturbing other competitors). The set is terminated when the competitor quits or the 5:00 time limit expires. If the competitor violates another technical rule during performance of the set (for example, lowers the kettlebell to the shoulder), the set is not terminated, but the rep preceding the violation does not count. The competitor may resume performing repetitions provided that he/she complies with all relevant rules.

What do I have to do to come out?

No early registration is not required, although it would be helpful for you to email me in advance if you know you will be participating.

There is no fee, the contest is completely free to you.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please wear comfortable clothing, and bring clean foot wear (you are allowed to go barefoot for the competition), a water bottle or something to drink, and something to snack on if you get hungry.

All competitors are asked to be at Movement Minneapolis no later than 9:30 AM for weigh in and registration, The first lift will start at 10 AM sharp.

It is most likely the competition will be finished before noon.

Movement Minneapolis will be running two bars for the deadlift, and 6 bells for the snatch. Both iron bells and competition bells will be available for use.

After the competition there will be a group fitness class for all who wish to participate, followed by lunch at Chipotle in Plymouth.

Location details

Movement Minneapolis is located at suite 2089 East Center Circle in Plymouth MN, approximatively 15 minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. We are 1/2 mile east of I-494 at the Olsen Memorial Highway 55 exit.

Come on out, it’s fun!

You will have fun, meet some new people, and get a chance to test yourself.